i'm alive.

head over to brightest young things for this week's DIY style column! i hope everyone's short work week hasn't been too terrible; this weekend is ACTION PACKED and i hope to run into all of you, with camera - it's been a while! and on that note, i'd like to personally thank the makers of zyrtec for making it possible for me to finally leave the house.
allergies are for suckers,
morgan.

panda head interviews...

chris pravdica and tristan brechet (trztn) of brooklyn's services play just the kind of noisy electro-rock that promises the perfect synth-fueled, dance-filled end to the long weekend. those of you interested in extending your holiday just ONE MORE NIGHT can head to the 930 club this evening to catch them with the faint and the berg sans nipple.

how would you describe your style?
chris: avuncular
trztn: ben gazzara
do you pay attention to trends at all? how do you stay current?
we don't pay attention to trends. any similarities to trends are purely coincidental. however we like visual culture as a whole and we just might be part of it.
what are your wardrobe staples?
chris: thick ties and cardigans
trztn: german chimney-sweep pants
how do you pack for tour?
for this very long and demanding tour: 3 stage outfits- one off-stage outfit: basically its about saving space in our luggage and practicality.
does what you wear on stage differ from what you wear off stage?
on-stage: this tour we will have to keep up a "uniform" consisting of white shirts, black ties, white shoes, black vests - simple and brand conscious for shows and white suits for off-stage, on the road.
what's your favorite item of clothing?
chris: flight jacket with a furry collar: matches the moustache.
trztn: a friends extremely big neon green polo sweater with a suspicious stain on it. must give it back...
who or what do you find inspiring, style-wise?
christopher: old european men over 70
trztn: macho polish sport thugs
what city do you find to be the most stylish?
christopher: lisbon
trztn: eccentric artsy drop-outs living in Ibiza
how would you define 'stylish'?
that's a mortal question: we say don't cook sushi!
do you have any favorite designers?
[former As Four designer] kai khune - we played at his fashion show: impressive, wild clothes! he made an amazing full sweater-body suit which was damn sexy.
do you make or customize any of your own clothing?
occasionally experiment with silkscreening on fabrics and shirts...a rip here and there - but we mostly focus on our music.


interview: morgan. pictures uncredited from the services' website. for more on them, and to become their friend.com, visit their myspace.

on target.

click over to BYT for this week's style column! and when you're done reading, take a moment to mind-bullet me with some get well soon thoughts, as my seasonal allergies have culminated in what can only be described as The Worst Head Cold of My Whole Entire Life. and there were so many things i wanted to do this week...i'll see you all out and about this weekend, HOPEFULLY.
back to bed,
morgan.

hirshhorn museum: after hours.

panda head interviews...let's french!

if all you know of DC's let's french is that they have really excellent flyers (courtesy of bassist tim gibbon's dynamite printworks), it doesn't take more than one listen to realize that you've been missing out on the very best part. they're darkly pop (no cloying sweetness here) and garage without being too hard or messy; see them tomorrow night at black cat for their album release party with openers these united states and death by sexy.

how would you describe your style?
uber sexee retro chic
do you pay attention to trends? how do you stay current?
Trends are about the only thing we pay attention to. Have you listened to our music?
what are your wardrobe staples?
Children's neckties. Beatle boots. Women's belts galore.
does how you dress on stage differ from how you dress offstage?
Our offstage dress is acoustic. Our onstage dress is electric. Meaning that the nuances and details are intensified, exaggerated, and amplified.
what's your favorite item of clothing?
Randy: I have a vest that's covered in gold Freemason symbols.
Timbo: my home-made trucker hat depicting female reproductive organs
Maxwell: 70s double breasted yellow silk suit.
Matt: my black leisure loafers.
who or what do you find inspiring, style-wise?
Old things. French cinema from the 60s and 70s. Truffaut and Godard films. Rolling Stones circa 1970. DDR cicra 1984. Czech New Wave.
do you have any favorite designers?
El Harto! Dynamite Printworks!
do you make or customize any of your own clothing?
Tim designs and prints his own tee shirts. Max has a secret alteration he does to Lee Jeans. Randy has been known to dye canvas tennis shoes with herbal teas to achieve custom hues.
where do you like to shop in DC?
It's in Mt. Pleasent. It's wicked cheap. Its patterns are numerous, but too many people already know about it! Also, awesome shoes from numerous "wholesale" establishments on Columbia Road.
what's your take on DC style, in general?
Seems a little conservative sometimes, but we are still inspired by the people we see and meet on the street. Ummmm, one thing that there's nothing cool about is wearing your government-issued ID out.

interview: morgan. photo 1 by lindsay hart, photo 2 uncredited from myspace.com/letsfrenchDC. and for more on their new album click HERE!

DIY at BYT.

click over to brightestyoungthings.com to check out my style column this week. do it! do it!

you're a real crafty bastard.

mark your calenders! this year's crafty bastards craft fair has been scheduled for sunday, september 30th. over at the city paper, kim, sara and liz have put out the call for vendors and are accepting applications from now until july 1. everything you need (application, requirements, etc) can be found at the crafty bastards website, so get on it!
the fair is in its 4th year, and this is its 3rd at the marie reed learning center on 18th street in adams morgan. i've had a booth at crafty bastards and i've just gone to shop at crafty bastards, and i totally recommend doing either! it would be great to see some new vendors (every year i talk to people who wish that they had applied), and if you aren't so craftily-inclined yourself, there's plenty to do, eat, buy, listen to and look at. this really is one of DC's neatest annual events, and if you haven't been before you should try to make it this time. keep your fingers crossed that the weather is as perfect as it's been the last two years, and i'll see you then!

graphics from washingtoncitypaper.com/craftybastards.

mt. pleasant st.: NW.

panda head features...

name: Stephanie Dodge Smith
occupation: I'm in charge of business development for a trade association. Not very flashy, I know. I'm starting a new business of my own though. it's a dog walking, pet sitting, pet clothier business called RSVPet. It's in the works right now and I hope to be up and running within a few weeks. Check it out at RSVPet.com.

describe your style.
Androgyny meets Last Call at Neimans.
do you follow trends? how do you stay current?
I’m sort of in my own world when it comes to fashion. Actually when it comes to a lot of things, but especially fashion. I’m not a trend follower because trendy isn’t stylish in my opinion. Who wants to look like everyone else? Season, mood, comfort and creativity are my personal trends and what keeps me thinking and dressing forward.
what are your wardrobe staples?
My black Sass & Bide mistfits, vintage Chanel ankle boots, and a tie between my Balenciaga blouse or any of my comfy t-shirts. My gigantic Marc Jacobs handbag is typically swinging from my shoulder too.
is your closet at all organized?
In all honesty I’m sort of a neat freak, so yes, my closet is organized. On rare occasion things get out of order and go missing. But then I’ll straighten up and find something like a scarf or a vintage blouse and I’ll say, “Wow, I forgotten I had that.”
where do you like to shop?
I tend to buy my clothes in New York City, Brooklyn, Montreal, cities like that. But there are a few stores in DC that I shop, including Neimans, Barneys, Annie Creamcheese, Meeps and even Loehmanns...I mean, who doesn’t like getting a good deal? I’d be lying if I said I didn’t buy clothes off eBay, but I typically search the European eBay sites because the clothes are more exciting and unique.
who or what inspires you, fashion-wise?
I’m drawn to difference. Difference in music, art, photography, food, architecture, men and women. People like Siouxsie Sioux, Nick Knight, Karin Dreijer, Mata Hari, Gary Baseman, even Nancy Pelosi have all inspired me in one way or another. Not so much their own style or fashion sense rather how they have left their unique impressions on the planet. Many celebrities are essentially contracted by top designers who give them complete wardrobes to wear. So they tend not to inspire me but instead make me insanely jealous!
any favorite designers?
Favorites? Let’s see…some of my favorite designers/fashion houses include Chanel, Duckie Brown, Dries Van Noten, Comme des Garcons, John Varvatos, Wunderkind, ThreeAsFour, and Sass & Bide. These designers have a fashion-forward approach to style and I really dig that. Now, do I wear all of these designers’ clothes all of the time? I wish. My lifestyle isn’t as glamorous as I’d like it to be so unfortunately I’m not sauntering around in only Chanel or Comme des Garcons. Sure I have a few beloved pieces by these designers because to me, it’s wearable art.
what's currently your favorite item of clothing?
Gees. I have to pick just one item? Can I pick two? Current favorite #1 is my Dries Van Voten cashmere cardigan. There’s been a few lingering cool days so I’m refusing to tuck it away in my closet just yet. It is probably the softest, most comfortable thing I have ever had around my body. And I love when my girlfriend wears it because when I put it on it smells like her. My current favorite # 2 is a white t-shirt with bright yellow and blue silkscreen images of Rambo on the front. My friend Rory from SuperPerfectHair made it. As I usually do with t-shirts, I’ve altered it a bit (cut the arms and neck out) so I hope he doesn’t mind.
how would you define 'stylish?'
Style is personal provocation. Being stylish means being different. It means being in tune with who you are as an individual and then deciding how you want to provoke the world so it sees your individuality. When people focus on their individuality and how they differ, even slightly, from someone else rather than focusing on what top goes with what skirt or what boots to wear with a given jacket then that’s when 'style' and 'being stylish' just happens. Often the most stylish people to me are the ones not trying to be stylish. They are just being themselves.
what's your take on DC style, in general?
Given the dominant industries in DC (government, law, professional associations) style here tends to be very conservative. Yet there are subtle undertones of color and creativity if you know where to look. In the last few months, DC has attracted a handful of new stores that carry less mainstream and more chic lines, some decent vintage shops have popped up too and talented local designers are coming onto the scene. It’s refreshing to see a new onslaught of guts and glory is our city.

interview: morgan. photo by cassidy karakorn.

warehouse: 'take us anywhere, but take us now.'

marimekko: silver spring launch party.

head over to BYT for words on marimekko's design, fashions, and of course, THE PARTY, and for more marimekko coverage hit up DC Celine and DCCaF! and thanks especially to babsieD for putting the whole launch party spectacular together (and also for the killer tote bags).
i heart finland,
morgan.

panda head interviews...

marshall thompson is owner of the district line, an adams morgan shop specializing in 'modern english fashion for the district.' it's worth a visit just to check out the space - he's transformed it with graffiti murals, slick display fixtures, and a seriously amazing tape sculpture by mark jenkins - but the clothes he carries are the real draw. he's put together (with a very specific eye) a collection of both classic and lesser-known british labels for men and women. but ladies, move fast - the womenswear will only be available until the end of the summer, at which point the district line will cater only to the male set. lucky guys!

how would you describe your personal style? to what extent is that reflected in your store?
My personal style can vary from day to day, I guess, but overall I'd say I'm mostly a t-shirt, jeans, and a pair of interesting sneakers kind of guy. Actually one of my hobbies is collecting cheap, kitschy t-shirts from all the corners of the world where I've actually traveled, not the fake ones from Urban Outfitters. Every now and then I like getting dressed up a bit with a blazer and a tie or even a suit on the right night. My friends that I've known the longest who really know my style, upon seeing my store for the first time, claimed it looked like a store-sized wardrobe for me! So I'd say it's pretty much what I like with a few pieces here and there I wouldn't wear personally, but I think are really great and should be worn by at least SOMEONE in DC.
how do you go about choosing lines to carry in the shop?
I started The District Line because of my severe case of Anglophila. I've been in love with British style and brands like Fred Perry and Ben Sherman since I was a teenager obsessed with ska and punk music. A lot of the great bands from the 60s, 70s, and 80s in those scenes wore the sharpest suits and polo shirts, and I aspired to one day wear them as well. I'll never forget the first time I bought my first Ben Sherman shirt from Marshall's in White Flint - so proud! After graduation from college, I moved to London for a while, and the fascination with fashion, music, and culture only deepened, to an almost unhealthy degree. Eventually I returned to DC and after working some other jobs, decided to open a store that just carried British brands that could barely be found in DC, if at all. I picked a few labels that I thought worked well together, but the average customer didn't need to know that they were British to get it. They just had to like the style of the pieces, which was important to me - that the brands could transcend a lot of styles and tastes in DC.
any favorite spring/summer pieces right now?
I'm pretty much always obsessed with Fred Perry polo shirts. I had to clean my closet out of the old ones to make way for some new ones. Other than that, the new Boxfresh t-shirts have a Jamaican dub/soundsystem feel to them, which I'm loving as well. For women, we just got in this label called Komodo, which makes some beautiful pieces out of organic materials. I think I love their Pop Art t-shirt the best for the women this season so far.
any events on the horizon?
We'll probably have another party in the store sometime in May after the success of the Black Friday party back in November. Our 2nd Anniversary party will be coming up in June, and last year's party with BLISS at the Black Cat was a load of fun. We'll see about doing it again with them this year.
did you always want to have a store?
The simple answer is no. I always had the entrepreneurial bug in me, but I was never quite sure exactly what I wanted to do with it. Other ideas for what I wanted to do at one point or another included starting a MapQuest-like company using public transportation instead of driving directions (now known as RideGuide for DC), opening a Vespa store (now open in Georgetown), and starting a software company that allows users to order pizzas online instead of over the phone (I think Domino's does this now). Yeah, I'm kind of a nerdy ideas guy, but apparently they're good ideas because other people have actually put them to use. I finally got an idea that I put into use before someone else did!
how did you choose your location? did you consider anywhere else in the city?
I really wanted to be somewhere on 14th or U Streets, and about a half dozen locations fell through before I found this space on 18th Street. While some of the regulars have been amazing here in Adams Morgan, I just don't get enough foot traffic here on a daily basis to make it worthwhile. Eventually I plan on moving the store to Georgetown, which has definitely garnered a lot of opinions from a lot of people! I like being within walking distance of my apartment here, but Georgetown just makes a lot more sense on a number of levels. I'll be sure to tell everyone exactly where and when the new store will open - it's going to be amazing. I have a lot of people working on the decor and build-out, so we think it will be something that DC has not seen in a long time.
any advantages to being in DC?
Certainly the lack of other independent clothing stores helps because men especially have a limited number of stores that carry interesting labels. Women have an easier time finding interesting clothing from a lot of boutiques in this city, but as for men - Redeem, Circle Boutique, Pop, and Universal Gear offer the best stuff in the city, I think. I've also heard from customers that they could only find the lines that I carry in New York, Montreal, or London, so they appreciate not having to travel as far to get interesting clothing.
what's your take on DC style, in general?
DC is still rather conservative when it comes to clothing, but I think it's definitely getting better. I'm not exactly the most innovative dresser, so I can't rag on the city for not being so fashion forward, but I do get tired of seeing so many Ralph Lauren copy-cats all over the city. I've found that a lot of people appreciate unique style, but are afraid or unwilling to try something different for themselves. I get a lot of "I think this shirt is really great, but I could never wear it," in the store, which is really unfortunate. Sometimes people will go out on a limb on something outside of their comfort zone, and will get so many compliments on it because everyone here is used to seeing the same thing over and over. I guess I could go on and on about style in DC, but overall I think it's definitely improving (thanks in part to certain blogs!) which is great.
anything you're not ususally asked that people should know about the district line?
I'm asked everything from "Why don't you have an accent?" (I'm from Pennsylvania) to "Who did the graffiti walls?" (8 artists in one night), so I think I've answered just about every question I can think of over these two years. It's been a crazy roller-coaster, so for anyone thinking of one day opening a clothing store, .... well, it just has its ups and downs, so buckle in for the ride.

interview & pictures: morgan. the district line is located downstairs at 2118 18th st NW. visit them online at the district line website or on myspace.

O RLY?

my style column premiered over at the recently revamped brightest young things today, i'm totally stoked on it and i hope you are too! big thanks to BYT for entrusting me with the job, and also for being so supportive of my MSpaint tendencies.
click click to GO THERE.

panda head interviews...mel from the clientele!

mel draisey, alasdair maclean, james hornsey and mark keen are the clientele, a london-based band whose new album, 'god save the clientele,' is filled with the sort of dreamy pop music perfect for lazy summer nights. it's a little bit monkees, a little bit beachwood sparks, and it's just been released today - pick it up tonight at black cat when they play with the ladybug transistor and the positions.

how would you describe your style?
Well, the boys just wear all the vintage Levi's stuff they were given free years ago, I wear dresses as they’re easy to run around in. I suppose it’s a hippy chic look?
do you pay attention to trends? how do you stay current?
The boys aim for comfort I think! If I like something in fashion - I’ll buy it but generally just wear what I think is pretty.
what are your wardrobe staples?
A little a-line dress, pair of flat round toed boots, thick black granny tights and a little cardigan.
how do you pack for tour?
Well the last tour was absolutely boiling, I managed to wear the same as I do in London but ditched the cardi and tights! The boys took Levi’s vintage...
does what you wear on stage differ from what you wear off stage?
Mine doesn’t really, dresses are so great, they allow you to bend over and move around without having to pull your trousers up onstage or worry about having a wedgie. The boys kept turning up in the same tops on the last tour as they all got given the same clothes from Levi’s. A fight would follow as to who would have to change!
what's your absolute favorite item of clothing?
A white vintage dress with silver bits on it, someone gave it to me and my mum altered it to fit me. I love it, it makes me feel like a lady!
who or what do you find inspiring, style-wise?
Obviously Audrey Hepburn…(for me not the boys) Sienna Miller sometimes wears some nice things, period drama costumes. The boys...Mr Levi?
what city do you find to be the most stylish?
San Francisco was pretty stylish in a chilled out way - not too "try hard."
how would YOU define 'stylish?'
Clothes that look good, feel good, and make you feel happy.
do you have any favored designers?
I love a bit of Topshop for dresses, but apart from that I’m not into labels, lack of funds! Just buy what I think looks good. The Boys like Levi’s vintage, Reasons obvious.
do you make or customize any of your own clothing?
I cut dresses into long tops sometimes, or tie ribbons onto cardigans, add brooches to boring jumpers. The boys don’t I’m very sure of that!



interview: morgan. pictures uncredited from the clientele on myspace. for more on the band visit them at their website, theclientele.co.uk.

rock and roll hotel: BYT relaunch party.

wisconsin ave: georgetown.

m street: georgetown.

mlk ave: anacostia.

panda head interviews...

ris richards has kept busy since q and not u disbanded in 2005; since then he's not only released a solo album but put together a new band, bullets. they, in turn, put on crowd control - a monthly dance party at DC9 that's already earned city-wide endorsement. tonight, and every first thursday of the month, djs dave nada, ris, and rah take over DC9; tonight's party also features a performance from DC's tabi bonney.

how would you describe your style?
The finest garments $13/hr can buy.
do you pay attention to trends? how do you stay current?
I've always paid close attention musicians and what they wear. I feel like every artist or band that's ever mattered had an incredibly important visual presence - whether it's the Clipse in technicolor sneakers or the Clash in military fatigues or Prince in tights or Fugazi looking like shirtless monks or David Byrne in his over-sized suit or Public Enemy looking like the most badass thing in history.
what are your wardrobe staples?
I love collars on my shirts. I wish all my T-shirts had collars. And even though it's been largely co-opted by college frat culture, I strongly believe that all collars must be turned up. For better or worse I'm gonna have to ride this one out.
are you a collector of anything?
My wristband game is stronger than most.
what's your favorite item of clothing?
Probably a hooded sweatshirt from Opening Ceremony that my girlfriend bought me for Christmas. It has this crazy criss-cross weave in the front, which also provides some nice ventilation.
who or what do you find inspiring, style-wise?
Like I said, musicians are the ones who always have me looking. I'm still impressed with MIA's look. I'm not ready to start wearing Zubaz or anything, but I admire the woman.
do you have any favored designers?
Not a designer, per se, but I love Commonwealth. They just opened up in Adams Morgan this year and they sell some excellent stuff from Supreme, Crooks & Castles and tons of others.
do you make or customize any of your own clothing?
I like to throw patches onto everything. I dream of a jacket - the kind that a Nascar driver would wear - only covered in punk band patches. Like on some crusty-punk-Talladega-Nights shit.
what's your take on DC style, in general?
Like everything in DC, it could be better, which means it gets bad-mouthed all the time. I think people are looking better these days, though, probably thanks to cell-phone cameras. You better look good tonight because you're gonna be on someone's blog in the morning.

interview: morgan. photo 1 by valerie soles, taken from ris paul ric's space; photo 2 of bullets by shawn brackbill.

calvert street: adams morgan.

panda head features...

name Liz Gorman
occupation Professional Party-Goer/ Photographer
www.wonkette.com
let's not talk about art

describe your style.
It changes from day to day: sometimes I like to dress in all black for a kind of mod look; other days I'm a total hippie chick in a vintage dress and thrift store shoes. I feel like it's important to change your look up, surprise people, not be too predictable. In terms of work, my job is going to parties and running around taking pictures of people. Sometimes I'll wear a cocktail dress to blend in more, other times I'll just wear jeans. I love my job.
do you dress according to trends? how do you stay current?
Lately, I've been leaning towards a hybrid of current looks with vintage finds. I follow current trends while keeping in mind what looked good in past generations.
what are your wardrobe staples?
Indigo Six skinny jeans from Mustard Seed in Bethesda, a late '70s white and brown leather Dooney and Bourke purse, a pair of fantastic sunglasses from Mercedes Bien.
any favorite designers?
I was with a girl last night who was wearing a wedding dress from Meeps. It was probably from the 70's and was all lace and pink bows. When someone came up to her, inquiring where she got it, she said "Marc Jacobs." The girl of course loved it because everyone loves Marc Jacobs. The point is, it didn't matter where the dress was from; it looked good. Just look good and be confident.
where are your favorite places to shop?
Meeps, Nana, Mercedes Bien, Mustard Seed, Second Hand Rose (both Georgetown and Rockville), the wonderful thrift stores in Laurel and Bethesda.
who or what inspires you, fashion-wise?
Yé-yé girls, all the Factory regulars, Fellini's 'City of Women,' 'Nadja' by Andre Breton, Brassaï, Blue States Lose, obviously.
how would you define 'stylish?'
Being confident and comfortable. Also, looking like you could be in a band. Kidding, mostly.
what's your current favorite item of clothing?
White 60s mini dress.
if $$$ was of no concern, what would you buy?
A time machine so I could buy all of the clothes that Anna Karina and Jane Birkin wore.
your take on DC fashion/style?
It's getting better. DC has always been a very buttoned up town. There's a great music scene in DC right now, and music and fashion definitely go hand in hand. If you go out on U St or H St on the weekends, you can tell that there are more stylish people out and about.

interview: morgan. photos by liz gorman. pic1: liz's shirt is h&m, vest by theory, jeans are indigo six. pic2: vintage dress from nana. her shoes were thrift store finds!